Double Coverage 2015-10-23

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DOUBLE presents

COVERAGE Friday, October 23, 2015

NOT YOUR AVERAGE JOE

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Friday, October 23, 2015

SCENARIOS

By Jillian Kushner @jilliankushner

By Akshay Mirchandani @amirchandani41

Texas wins if…

The Longhorns play like they did against Oklahoma. The Texas team seen in Dallas was a team that had never been seen before. This team could tackle, block, run, throw, catch and kick. Texas had 368 total yards of offense, 20 first downs, zero turnovers and 24 points. This is unlike anything Texas has done this season. Somehow, the Longhorns were able to pull off one of the biggest upsets of the year over then-No. 10 Oklahoma. The reason this team looked so different was because they played with heart. In every other game, when the Longhorns are down, the players get down and lose their energy. This did not happen against Oklahoma. The passion they played with is what won the game. This cannot be something restricted to the Red River Rivalry. The Longhorns proved if they really want to win, they can, regardless of rankings or records. Because of what we saw against Oklahoma, there is no reason Texas cannot beat Kansas State.

The passing game can get going. Somehow, Texas pulled away with a win against Oklahoma when it only had 55 passing yards. While the 313 rushing yards was great, that’s hard to keep up on a weekly basis. With redshirt freshman Jerrod Heard’s arm and the talented receivers Texas has, there is no reason the passing yards should be that low.

Against Oklahoma, star senior wide receiver Daje Johnson was out. Maybe that was the reason for so few passing yards. Against Kansas State — and every other team this season — 55 passing yards will not likely result in a win. How this worked out against the Sooners may forever be a mystery.

Texas can hold up the running game. As previously stated, the running game did it all for Texas against Oklahoma: 313 rushing yards with 117 from sophomore running back D’onta Foreman, 115 from Heard and 76 from senior running back Johnathan Gray. To expect two players in triple-digit rushing yards each week is a stretch, but establishing the running game is what beat the Sooners. While fans were upset with the safe play calling, it clearly worked.

Texas loses if…

The Oklahoma game was just a fluke. If Texas resumes its pre-Red River Rivalry style of play, it will not beat Kansas State — or any other teams for that matter. The Longhorns had games with better stats, but they have not had games with more passion. That was the big factor in the win over Oklahoma. If Texas cannot maintain that level of heart and passion, the team will look like the 1-4 team it was prior to Oklahoma.

DOUBLE

presents

COVERAGE Vol. 10, Issue 8

Friday, October 23, 2015

Double Coverage Editor...................................Nick Castillo Design Editor..................................................Iliana Storch Photo Editor......................................................Amy Zhang Copy Editor.............................................Blanche Schaefer Cover Photo.................................................Joshua Guerra Writers: Jacob Martella Claire Cruz

Akshay Mirchandani

Jori Epstein

Blanche Schaefer

Jason Epstein Jillian Kushner

KEYS TO THE GAME

Ezra Siegel Aaron Torres

EDITOR’S NOTE Texas head coach Charlie Strong said the Longhorn turnaround would come “sooner than later,” and that came true when they beat Oklahoma 24-17. After the win and a bye week, Texas has an opportunity to keep its momentum rolling. In the Longhorns’ way is Kansas State, who has beat them six of the last seven games and shut them out last season. Texas has an opportunity to fight its way to bowl eligibility, and a win over the Wildcats would be a helpful start.

BOTHER JOE HUBENER Kansas State was shut out by Oklahoma 55-0 and junior quarterback Joe Hubener struggled. Hubener completed just 4-of-14 passes for 39 yards and threw two interceptions.

Kansas State’s offense goes as high as Hubener takes it.

When the Wildcats scored 45 points against TCU, Hubener only completed 13-of-33 passes for 157 yard, but also ran for 111 yards and four touchdowns.

Hubener wasn’t supposed to be a starter this season, but injuries thrust him into that roll. Texas did a great job of putting pressure on Oklahoma junior quarterback Baker Mayfield, and it paid off. The same needs to be done with Hubener.

KEEP RUNNING The Longhorns are at their best when they can run the ball effectively.

Sophomore running back D’Onta Foreman ran nine times for 117 yards against the Sooners. Redshirt freshman quarterback Jerrod Heard had 115 yards on 21 carries, while senior running back Johnathan Gray added 76 yards.

Part of the reason Texas beat Oklahoma was because it won in the trenches. The defensive line dominated, while the offensive line and running game couldn’t be stopped. That’s the blueprint for how the Longhorns can string together some wins with a young team.

Plus, running effectively takes the pressure off Heard in the passing game. And — as we’ve all seen — Heard can make plays with his feet when he needs to. That’s something that he’s going to need to keep doing to help this running game thrive.

GET THE CROWD IN IT Saturday will be the first home game since the Sept. 26 loss to Oklahoma State. There’s no doubt the crowd will be excited to see the team after its win over Oklahoma.

Texas needs to get the crowd into it early on, especially with an 11 a.m. kickoff time — an early turnover or big play will get the job done. Attendance has been somewhat of an issue this year, and things could finally start going in the right direction on that front.

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Friday, October 23, 2015

Team’s mental focus to play important role going forward

By Jori Epstein

Daily Texan Columnist @JoriEpstein

Head coach Charlie Strong is excited to play Kansas State at 11 a.m. this Saturday. A 5:30 a.m. staff meeting doesn’t faze the early riser, and he loves waking the players at 6 a.m.

“I tell them, ‘Don’t come down there looking sleepy,’” Strong said. “‘Wash your face and come down there …

Let’s get going and get ready to play a football game.’”

The ritual – at least for road morning games – doesn’t change much. The wake-up call follows a staff meeting. Strong walks the players around the perimeter of the hotel. Then they return inside, walk through the day’s plan, eat breakfast and get dressed to play.

The walk likely doesn’t do much for the team’s physical stamina. That’s not Strong’s goal. Instead, he targets their focus. Strong knows winning the game has a cerebral aspect.

Senior center Taylor Doyle said that mental focus fuels team wins. Against Oklahoma, Doyle said, Strong preached physicality.

“He does recognize [mentality] is a big part of the game,” Doyle said. “We have to stay hungry and humble to block the outside noise.”

Strong has preached mental focus and core values his whole career. But the principle took on additional importance in 2015.

In two last-second losses that tanked the team’s record, Texas showed the skill to win each. But the team didn’t finish. Missed assignments plagued the defense. Special teams ex-

Rachel Zein | Daily Texan Staff

Senior center Taylor Doyle anchors the Longhorn offensive line. Doyles says the team’s mental focus will fuel the Longhorns going forward.

ecuted crazy mishaps. As a media firestorm ensued, Strong’s message was clear: Focus solely on the game and the program.

“I tell our guys all the time that you just have to have the courage just to override everything that’s being said about you,” Strong said. “You can’t ever let doubt creep into yourself. … You have to have the courage to believe in yourself where you can get things done.”

Texas mixed its rivalry motivation with that courage to upset the Sooners. The team focused on tactical victories: Disrupt Oklahoma’s rhythm.

Force three-and-outs. Win at the line of scrimmage.

“Big guys beat up little guys,” Strong said.

The size doesn’t solely refer to physical distinction. The more confident, bold team often dominates at the line of scrimmage. Junior defensive tackle Paul Boyette Jr. said that requires confidence.

“I think you need to be overconfident sometimes,” Boyette Jr. said. “You can build confidence sometimes and dominate your person.

The game is won mentally.”

Boyette doesn’t communicate that overconfidence in practices. He constantly reminds himself of Texas’ 2-4 record and said he keeps “working his tail off ” because he owes the seniors a bowl game. Tempering the overconfidence with humility is a challenge. But Texas sees its best production when it strikes the balance.

Against Kansas State, Texas must translate the humility, confidence and motivation into physical play.

The Wildcats will be hungry coming off a 55-0 shutout to Oklahoma. Texas knows the feeling from its TCU loss.

The Longhorns have the skill to win this weekend. The decision will come down to their focus. Can the players wake up pumped at 6 a.m.?

Can they internalize Strong’s message and the bowl game pursuit sufficiently?

Only Saturday will tell.

Strong will do his part to encourage. He says that’s all he can do.

“It’s college ball – the uncertainty is always there,” Strong said. “When you go out, you’re just hoping they’re ready to play.”

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Friday, Octob

LORENZO J Marshall Tidrick | Daily Texan file photo

Safeties - then-freshman Jason Hall and then-sophomore Dylan Haines - chase a Kansas State player during the Longhorns’ 23-0 loss in 2014.

Longhorns look for rare win over Kansas State

By Nick Castillo @Nick_Castillo74

The sounds of ‘we own Texas’ echoed through Bill Snyder Family Stadium in Manhattan, Kansas, during Texas’ 23-0 loss to Kansas State last year.

The joyous chants from Wildcat fans weren’t just elations from beating the Longhorns — they’re a proven fact. Kansas State has owned Texas. The Wildcats have a 9-6 record all-time against the Longhorns and have won six of the last seven meetings. Even Texas’ best have fallen to the purple kryptonite.

The 23-0 loss still lingers in the players’ minds. But senior cornerback Duke Thomas said the Longhorns have to match the Wildcats’ intensity Saturday.

“It was a tough loss,” Thomas said. “I hate losing, period.

Stuff like that I don’t really think much about it. I can’t remember much about that game anyway. But moving forward, we got to know what K-State is capable of.”

If there was a year Texas could overcome its struggles with Kansas State, it’s this year. The Wildcats started off hot with three consecutive wins but have plummeted back to earth after three losses in Big 12 conference play. Kansas State’s worst was a 55-0 loss to No. 17 Oklahoma last weekend.

Despite the Wildcats’ recent struggles, the Longhorns know they’ll get a better effort from their opponent Saturday. “[Kansas State was] unlucky with that score on Saturday,” head coach Charlie Strong said. “I know that’s not who that football team is. It’s a very well-coached team, a team that doesn’t make many mistakes … [so we’ve] got to be ready for a team that’s going to be ready to come and play, a team that’s mentally and physically tough.”

Although the Wildcats only average 161 yards a game,

I hate losing, period. Stuff like that I don’t really think much about it. I can’t remember much about that game anyway. But moving forward, we got to know what K-State is capable of.

—Duke Thomas, Senior cornerback

which has them ranked No. 81 out of 127 FBS schools, they’ll bring a tough rushing attack to Austin on Saturday. Kansas State will use freshman running back Justin Silmon and junior quarterback Joe Hubener in their run game. The duo has rushed for combined 525 yards and eight touchdowns.

The Longhorns will have to guard Kansas State’s run-pass option that it’s found success running.

Thomas said he still sees a dangerous opponent, despite their shutout loss to the Sooners.

“K-State is still a formidable opponent,” Thomas said.

“They’re still a very good team. They’re fundamentally sound. They don’t make many mistakes. They’re going to hold on to the football. That’s K-State – they’re going to make things happen.”

Sophomore wide receiver Lorenzo Joe said he expects the Wildcats to come out blazing after last week’s loss.

“Kansas State, they’re going to be hungry,” Joe said. “After the TCU game we were hungry for a win, went out against OU and got that win, so they’re going to come in here and they’re going to fight hard … They’re going to be hungry for a win. We’ve just got to hit them in the mouth first.”

The Longhorns look to overcome their purple kryptonite and avoid hearing ‘we own Texas’ chants again.

Daulton Venglar | Daily Texan file photo

ber 23, 2015

JOE SETS EXAMPLE FOR TEXAS

By Ezra Siegel @SiegelEzra

Sophomore wide receiver Lorenzo Joe didn’t always have his coaches’ trust. In fact, he wasn’t even listed on the team’s depth chart before the season opener.

“I was a little upset, but I couldn’t get down,” Joe said. “I just went out to practice every day, kept working hard, and that’s all I could do … I have great parents. They always say, ‘Hey, keep a positive attitude.’

That’s what I’ve been doing.”

Now, Joe’s emerging as a key offensive contributor. He finally got his chance to play in the midst of a blowout against No. 4 TCU. On his first play, he burned his man on a post route for a 21-yard touchdown.

Joe scored the Longhorns’ only touchdown that day, which turned out to be all he needed to earn his coaches’ faith. “[Play-caller Jay Norvell] just told me ‘great job, way to be ready,’” Joe said. “I feel like I did a great job taking advantage of it. [Norvell] [then] came up to me and said, ‘Hey, start the OU game’.”

Joe once again seized his opportunity against No. 17 Oklahoma.

While he made just one catch for nine yards, he shined in his downfield run blocking. His biggest moment came while sparking senior wide receiver Marcus Johnson’s 24-yard touchdown with a critical block.

“I told him after I scored that ‘that was you — you got the guy out of the way,’” Johnson said. “He’s been making the most of his opportunities since he’s been out there. Blocking was what we needed for Oklahoma and that’s what he took advantage of … he’s just been capitalizing in back-to-back games.”

The Longhorns want to run the football, and Joe’s blocking is bound to earn him more playing time. At 6-foot-2-inches, 202 pounds, he has the size and strength to shield off defensive backs and give his running backs more room to run.

But, Joe’s blocking isn’t his biggest asset. Instead, it’s his positive attitude. His coaches and teammates consistently praise his ability to lift the team’s spirits — both on the field and from the sideline. In the midst of a 2-4 season, the Longhorns need that type of positivity.

“He brings so much energy,” head coach Charlie Strong said. “He’s always positive, always upbeat, got a smile on his face … he’s so fun to be around.”

Joe’s attitude translates to practice. Eager to show his skills, he gives extraordinary effort every day. His coaches value his work ethic. More importantly, his teammates look up to him.

“He’s certainly a great example to the rest of the team,” Norvell said.

“He hadn’t played a lot in the first part of this season, but he’s worked his tail off and had a great attitude. When you do that, you’re ready when your opportunity comes, and he has been.”

The Longhorns have a variety of receivers to choose from, but they hope to incorporate Joe more going forward. Joe said he’s getting equal first-team reps during practices. But, he’s not concerned with playing time. He just wants to see the team win.

“No matter who is playing out there, we’re all going to support each other,” Joe said. “As long as we’re out there winning and going out there and competing every day, that’s all I care about.”

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Friday, October 23, 2015

PLAYERS TO WATCH

By Blanche Schaefer @schaefer_bb

Defensive back Morgan Burns Senior defensive back Morgan Burns is a key contributor to the Wildcats’ defense and special teams. He totaled 55 tackles, three interceptions and seven pass breakups last season as a cornerback and averaged 30.7 yards per kickoff return – third in the Big 12. He’s regarded as one of Kansas State’s fastest players and is building a strong 2015 season. Burns has played in five games and racked up 17 total tackles and five pass breakups. His biggest impact is on special teams. He leads the Wildcats with 341 all-purpose yards, all from kick returns.

Burns is averaging 31 yards per kickoff return, the most in the Big 12. Texas’ kickoff-return defense is ranked No. 122 out of 127 FBS teams, allowing opponents to average a little more than 27 yards per return. Burns’ speed and agility could rip through one of the weaker areas of the Texas team Saturday.

Defensive tackle Will Geary Former high school wrestler and Kansas State walk-on

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Will Geary is a force to be reckoned with. The redshirt sophomore defensive tackle is a stout 6-foot, 297 pounds and totaled 30 tackles in his debut season last year. He should well surpass that number this season, as he already has 27 tackles through six games. Geary was named to FoxSports’ Bruce Feldman’s preseason ‘Top 25 Freaks in College Football’ list, which spotlights “those guys who are the top workout warriors in the sport or the guys who possess some rare physical abilities that wow folks inside their programs.” Geary could show off those ‘freaky’ physical abilities against a Texas offensive line that’s had some struggles this season.

minute of a 52-45 loss to No. 4 TCU. He was benched in the second half of a 55-0 blowout loss to Oklahoma last weekend. Senior receiver Kody Cook took over under center and both quarterbacks combined to throw for 45 yards and three interceptions, completing just 5-of-22 passes. Kansas State head coach Bill Snyder is “not sure yet” who will start against Texas. Hubener put up 268 yards of total offense and four touchdowns against the same TCU team who embarrassed the Longhorns 50-7. Hubener poses a threat if Texas’ defense performs the way it did against TCU three weeks ago.

Quarterback Joe Hubener Junior quarterback Joe Hubener stepped into the starting role after then-starter Jesse Ertz injured his knee in Kansas State’s season opener against South Dakota. Ertz left the game after only two snaps, and Hubener led the Wildcats to a 34-0 win with 147 yards and one touchdown pass.

Hubener has settled in as a starter, amassing 866 yards and throwing four touchdowns. He’s also rushed for 240 yards and six touchdowns. Hubener still shows signs of inexperience, however. He’s thrown four interceptions and cost Kansas State a potential upset when he fumbled in the final

Running back Justin Silmon Freshman running back Justin Silmon began the season at the No. 2 spot on the Kansas State depth chart. He’s now the Wildcats’ leading rusher and top running back since making his debut in Week 1 against South Dakota with 51 yards on six carries. He’s rushed for 285 yards this season with two touchdowns. Silmon ran for a season-high 119 yards on 24 attempts in a 39-33 triple-overtime win against Louisiana Tech. Texas’ defense continues to improve each week and will need to be on its A-game to prevent Silmon from breaking through.

Hubener seizes opportunity at quarterback

By Aaron Torres @aaron_torres95

fourstarevents@trudys.com

Joe Hubener played quarterback in high school. But he really didn’t.

Before he became Kansas State’s starting quarterback because starter Jesse Ertz suffered a season-ending injury, before he almost led the Wildcats to an upset of then-No. 2 TCU with a fourtouchdown performance, before he walked on at Kansas State, Hubener started and played a carousel of different positions in high school.

“He had a real knack for throwing the ball a mile,” Dustin McEwen, the man who coached Hubener at Cheney High told The Wichita Eagle on Sept. 10. “He unleashed bombs. I played college quarterback at Fort Hays State, and I could never throw the ball as far as he could. He was a great high school football player.”

Hubener is the complete package as an athlete. He stands 6-foot-5-inches but packs 211 tightly-coiled pounds into his modest frame. He’s so

athletic and skilled that McEwen started him at wide receiver, tight end and defensive back.

Hubener played on special teams, too.

But when Kansas State head coach Bill Snyder asked Hubener to walk on, he told Hubener he only needed him at one position — quarterback.

“He was athletic and he had good size to go along with it,” Snyder said in September. “When we realized that he could throw the ball well, it was just all kind of a fit. We have always liked to have athletic quarterbacks, and his experience at other positions demonstrated that.”

Hubener has that proverbial chip on his shoulder.

Why shouldn’t he? He’s been doubted as a quarterback for much of his life.

“It’s just another opportunity to prove people wrong,” Hubener said before he played UTSA. “Ever since I was a little kid, I have been told I couldn’t play quarterback. This is my opportunity to show them they are wrong about me and that I can come out and play quarterback and

be successful at this level.”

In six games this season, Hubener has thrown for 866 yards, four touchdowns and four interceptions. The Wildcats claim a 3-3 record and are coming off a 55-0 drubbing at the hands of Oklahoma. He admitted his confidence teetered during the game against the Sooners.

“I have to put it behind me and know that the team has shown that we can be successful,” Hubener said Tuesday.

“I have shown that I can be successful and we have to put it together.”

He’s becoming more comfortable, and he’s starting to get the feel for playing quarterback at such a high level.

Hubener now gets ready to face Texas, which is coming off an upset win against then-No. 10 Oklahoma in the Red River Rivalry. But he’ll never stop to think about how he got to where he is now.

“It’s kind of surreal when you stop and think about it,” said Hubener when asked about

his path. “I didn’t expect to be here. Once I started thinking realistically, I never expected to be where I’m at now.”

He appreciates how he got here and understands why he struggled. The knowledge, the wisdom, the confidence — it’s all part of his package.

Quarterback Joe Hubener Courtesy of George Walker Kansas State Collegian

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TEXAN STAFF PICKS

Friday, October 23, 2015

NICK CASTILLO

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Overall Record

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Last Issue’s Record

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Kansas St. vs. Texas

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JILLIAN KUSHNER

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BLANCHE SCHAEFER

38-22

39-21

43-17

46-14

35-25

42-18

42-18

7-3

5-5

6-4

7-3

7-3

5-5

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7-3

Texas 31-21

Texas 31-20

Texas 35-17

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Texas 35-21

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Texas A&M vs. Ole Miss

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Utah vs. USC

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Northwestern vs. Nebraska

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Utah St. vs.

San Diego St.

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Arizona vs.

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Stanford vs.

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Kentucky vs.

Mississippi St. Auburn vs.

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Mississippi St. Mississippi St.

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EZRA SIEGEL

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Mississippi St. Mississippi St. Mississippi St. Mississippi St. Mississippi St. Mississippi St. Mississippi St. Mississippi St.

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Friday, October 23, 2015

BIG 12 POWER RANKINGS No. 1

Baylor

By Akshay Mirchandani @amirchandani41

No. 7

No. 4

Oklahoma

Welcome to the No. 1 spot, Baylor. Sure, the Bears haven’t exactly played world beaters, but they look like the most complete team in the Big 12 right now. Baylor thrashed West Virginia 62-38, getting revenge on losing to the Mountaineers last season.

The Sooners rebounded nicely after their shocking loss to Texas, beating Kansas State 55-0 on the road. The Sooners still have not played TCU or Baylor, but are talented enough to get back into the Big 12 race with a potential win over one of those two.

No. 2

No. 5

TCU

TCU trailed Iowa State 21-14 after the first quarter but shut the Cyclones out for the rest of the game to win 45-21.

The Horned Frogs have had some scares this year, along with defensive struggles and injuries. But, if all goes according to plan, it’ll still come down to TCU and Baylor for the Big 12 title.

No. 3

Oklahoma State

The Cowboys were off last weekend, but are quietly sitting at 6-0. However, they have yet to play Baylor, TCU and Oklahoma.

Texas Tech

The Red Raiders only beat a bad Kansas team 30-20, but they’re still 5-2 with those two losses to Baylor and TCU. Tech boasts a dangerous offense and has shown progress in Kliff Kingsbury’s third year.

No. 6

West Virginia

The Mountaineers sit at 3-3 after a blowout loss to Baylor.

They aren’t a bad team, but they simply don’t have the fire power to keep up with the elite Big 12 teams.

GAMES TO WATCH

By Jacob Martella @ViewFromTheBox

No. 15 Texas A&M at No. 24 Ole Miss Saturday — 6 p.m. — ESPN This match up doesn’t have the same luster it had a few weeks ago, but it’s just as vital for the two teams involved. The loser of this game will be out of the SEC West race. Texas A&M sophomore quarterback Kyle Allen needs a bounce-back game after throwing three interceptions last week, including two that were returned for touchdowns. Ole Miss needs an image repair after losing to Memphis this past week. It’s not a great matchup, but it’s the only game between two ranked opponents this Saturday, so it’s probably best to at least watch this game.

Texas

The Longhorns had a bye week after their signature win over Oklahoma. Texas sits at 2-4 but has a chance to get back in the bowl race with Kansas State, Iowa State and Kansas up next.

No. 8

Kansas State

The Wildcats have lost three straight games after a 3-0 start with those losses coming against Oklahoma State, TCU and Oklahoma. Next up they get a re-energized Texas team in Austin, followed by Baylor and Texas Tech. Not an ideal way to try and right the ship.

No. 9

Iowa State

The 2-4 Cyclones go to Waco this week for a showdown with the Bears. It looks like they will be 2-5 going into their Halloween game with Texas.

No. 10

Kansas

The 0-6 Jayhawks still have to play Oklahoma State, Oklahoma and TCU. At least it’s almost basketball season.

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at all Austin Java Locations Tennessee at No. 8 Alabama Saturday — 2:30 p.m. — CBS On paper, this game is a mismatch. Tennessee has struggled against tougher opponents — at home, no less — and Alabama appears to be rolling after falling to Ole Miss in Week 3.

But the Crimson Tide weren’t that impressive against Texas A&M, especially on offense. And Tennessee comes in with momentum from a win over Georgia and a week off to rest. This is definitely a potential upset this weekend.

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